In 2017 the Government made additional funding available to Sefton Council for rates relief and the authority says this had reduced bills for 1,140 businesses in the borough

More than 1,000 businesses in Sefton have received more than a total of £500,000 in business rates relief in the past 12 months.

In 2017 the Government made additional funding available to Sefton Council to assist businesses with their rates bills in 2017/18.

And as of October 31 this year, the authority has helped 1,140 businesses across the borough with financial assistance totalling £542,973. This represents 98.4% of the total available funding of £551,739 made available for businesses in Sefton.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “At a time when our high streets are facing unprecedented challenges, we are delighted to able to help so many businesses keep their bills to a minimum through this support.

“The money distributed across Sefton will help retain people in employment and make a significant contribution to the economic well-being of our residents.

“We actively support businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout the borough and will continue to do so enforcing our position that Sefton is well and truly open for business.”